Yet another head thread, Need advice Options

[bbrock]

I see something that looks like a crack in the spark plug hole (which is a super common crack site). Use some machinists die and that will tell you quick if there is a crack there or not. Post 14, Second picture, left hand cylinder, 3 o'clock on the spark plug hole. Could be a casting flaw, but it looks like a crack.

Zach

I see it. Good eye! Luckily, I'm pretty sure that's a combination of lighting and some flecks of carbon still in the casting pores. I'll pick up some machinist's dye to be certain. But here is a close-up of that hole. I think the crack is that little band of smudge now at 9 o'clock in this pic.

[Mark Henry]

I've never had to use dye to see cracks on a T4 head, they're always quite obvious. Also check the exhaust guide boss area inside the port.

[bbrock]

Did a little more blasting around those exhaust guide bosses and inspected for cracks. None found. Also got those little bastard exhaust gaskets out. Like you said, couldn't get enough force with the pick, but was able to carefully catch an edge with a small screw driver inserted from the combustion chamber side and pop them out with a light tap of a hammer.

Last question.... for now. What are the best valves to buy for a stock 2.0L? I'd like to get them before sending the heads in so I have better control over what parts get installed. As I mentioned, the last two pairs of heads I had rebuilt did not end well. I want this one done right.

[McMark]

Manly Stainless are commonly used.